Donald A Futrell

Donald A. Futrell passed away on August 9, 2023, in Tallahassee, Florida. Born in Key West on September 21, 1932, to Robert A. Futrell and Lenora Nellie Futrell, Donald was proud of his Conch heritage.

He lived a life of integrity and led his family and influenced others through the strength of his character.

At an early age, his family moved to Port Tampa before settling in Sanford. He often recounted stories of riding his bicycle with friends around the celery fields, railroad yards and Lake Monroe, and delivering newspapers in Sanford.

He graduated from Seminole High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1950. Donald served as an Aviation Storekeeper with Squadron VA-195, Air Group 19 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Princeton. He supported flight deck operations during two eight-month tours as part of the Korean War.

After being honorably discharged in 1953, he was admitted to Stetson University and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1957. He began his career with the State Auditing Department that year as a field auditor of local governments. While conducting an audit of the Hernando County Board of Public Instruction, he met and later married Marcia Waschek on March 19, 1961.

They began their marriage in Bunnell and later moved to Inverness where they welcomed a son, Mark, in July 1962. Donald’s career took them to Port Charlotte, back to Inverness and finally to Tallahassee in April 1965. He accepted a new position to review field audits that ended the family’s travels around the state.

Donald willingly accepted and led his unit’s transition to personal computer applications in the 1980s. He was a dedicated public servant and served the Auditor General’s Office for 37 years, retiring in 1994.

His many interests included being a licensed pilot early in his life, enjoying golf for many years, traveling, caring for his home and lawn, cooking, and was a railroad, aviation, and aerospace enthusiast. He amazed his family with his ability to adapt to new technologies, including a smart phone and an air fryer.

His greatest and lasting accomplishment was his commitment to his marriage and family. Donald and Marcia celebrated 57 years of marriage before her passing in 2018. He lived an active and independent life following her death and up until his passing. He was a beloved father, father-in-law, and grandfather.

Donald was a member of Thomasville Road Baptist Church and enjoyed the company of the members of his Sunday School class.

Survivors include his son Mark and daughter-in-law Marian, and granddaughters Natalie Arlynn Futrell and Melanie Ruth Futrell.

The family deeply appreciates the medical care Donald received in Tallahassee, including from Dr. Farah Soliman, Dr. Joseph Camps, and the nurses and staff of Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

A visitation will be held at Culley’s Meadow Wood on Timberlane Road on Sunday, August 20 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. At the family’s request, no public service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Big Bend Hospice.